CARDINGTON, COPLE AND EASTCOTTS CHARITY.
News release
Living in an Almshouse can boost life expectancy, study finds
Living in an Almshouse can boost the longevity of its residents by as much as two-and-a-half years compared to their counterparts in the general population, according to a new Bayes Business School report*.
Analysing up to 100 years’ worth of residents’ records from various Almshouses in England, the research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups, particularly those individuals who are living in isolation.
The results are very encouraging. They show that, for several of the Almshouses included in the study, residents can expect to live as long as wealthier members of the general population despite coming from the most deprived quintile. This shows that the disparity in longevity and health outcomes could be mitigated even after reaching retirement age, provided a suitable social infrastructure can be put in place.
The report concludes that Almshouses could help the Government’s aims to reduce inequalities in mortality, which are observed between socioeconomic groups, by reducing the social isolation experienced by many in the older population.
The Charity Scheme was established in 1970. Cardington, Cople & Eastcotts Charity has been providing accommodation for those in financial need from the parishes of Cardington, Cople, Shortstown, Harrowden and Cotton End for many years now. We currently have a total of eight Almshouses in Cardington village, with the ability of providing accommodation for 11 persons.
Cardington, Cople & Eastcotts Charity has an historic background, 4 of our cottages were built in 1780 these are located on The Green, Cardington and can be seen in the photograph below. They were originally maintained by Thomas Forster, The Elder, Stephen Whitbread, Whitemans Charity, Reverend Maurice Farrell, Samuel Whitbread, The Widows Charity, Thomas Forster The Younger and Humphrey Harleston. These properties are Grade 2 listed and very characterful, of the 4 there are two one bedroomed properties and 2 two bedroomed.
We also have two further one bedroomed properties in Southill Road Cardington which were built in around 1830 and donated to the charity by the Whitbread Estate.
In the Jubilee Year 1977 Samuel Whitbread donated two further one bedroomed bungalows in Cople Road, Cardington. Later, converted to a 2 bedroomed property.
As and when properties are vacant they are advertised locally through parish magazines and parish websites to enable individuals to apply for residency.
Contacts
Contact smthacker@btinternet.com – Tel: 01234 831344
Contact press@ilcuk.org.uk or +44 (0) 7736 124 096 for press queries. Spokespeople are available for interview.
Chris Lines, PR & Communications Manager, City, University of London
E: Chris.Lines@city.ac.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7040 3062 M: +44 (0) 73 9186 9228
Gerry Harmon, PR & Engagement Manager, The Almshouse Association
E: gerryharmon@almshouses.org T: +44 (0)1344 452922/ (0) 784 7511046
Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association
E: nickphillips@almshouses.org T: +44 (0)1344 452922/ (0) 7483 390064